Police officers will be in the post office to give advice

The move comes as a result of a new partnership set up between Dyfed-Powys Police and the Post Office in Powys and Ceredigion, which began on Monday.

People are also able to hand in lost property, leave messages for local officers and pick up crime reduction information leaflets.

It is the first time the service has been tried in Wales.

The scheme is an addition to current police public enquiry offices.

Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Terence Grange said: "We are constantly looking at ways to improve the accessibility of police services to the public.

Post offices have long been at the heart of the communities they serve, but it is no secret they are under threat Sue Huggins, Post Office's Rural Agency Network

"This is an innovative project that we hope will be warmly welcomed by local communities.

"It is hoped the proposal will bring benefits to all involved - the police, the Post Office and, most importantly, local people."

Sue Huggins, from the Post Office's Rural Agency Network, said: "Post Office Ltd is constantly looking at innovative schemes that allow us to continue serving rural communities providing a viable and accessible rural Post Office network."

She said similar schemes were operating in Norfolk and Scotland.

"For me it is about demonstrating the value that post offices bring to local communities," she said.

"Post offices have long been at the heart of the communities they serve, but it is no secret they are under threat.

"What I am trying to do is look at ways we can work with other organisations who also need to provide services into rural communities - by joining forces, by sharing costs, we can improve access to services for those living in rural communities."